Sash balance



Jan. 1, 1952 D. TAPPAN SASH BALANCE Filed sept. 25. 1948 FIG. 7.

2 SI-{EETS-SI-IEET 2 Patented Jan. 1, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICESASH BALANCE Dewitt Tappan, Irondequoit, N. Y.; Ada I. Tappan and HaroldS. Wynn executors of said Dewitt Tappan, deceased Application September25, 1948, Serial No. 51,171

respectively decreases and increases torsional force in a spiral springtending to hold the Window sash in its last operated position and toassist in lifting the sash.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved .andrelatively inexpensive means for adjusting the torsional force of thespring of a sash balance of this character so that the spring can haveits torsional force readily changed while the balance is operativelyconnected to a Window sash.

Another object of the present invention is to adjustably rotate thespiral rod of a. sash balance with respect to the fixed end of thespring while the spring is secured at its iixed end to a window frameand while the spiral rod is disposed in its anchorage to the windowsash. This adjustment is made upon disengaging radial locking meanswhich normally anchors the spiral rod to the window sash by use of asimple hand tool.

Another object of the present invention is t0 provide means actuated bythe torsional force of the spring to positively lock the spiral rodadjustment means against disengagement by force applied longitudinallythereto in the operation of the Window.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a means ofadjustment of the torsional force of the helical spring wherein leadingand trailing edges of the teeth of a ratchet are so formed as to permitthe release ofthe torsional force of the spring. This release isaccomplished by first rotating the ratchet with a suitable hand tool ina direction to increase the torsional force of the spring until theratchet teeth are disengaged from their locking positions, and thencausing the release of the torsional force of the spring by the quickrelease of the hand tool. Another object of the present invention is tosuspend the weight of the window sash from an independent xed bearingpoint employing a helical type of spring wherein there is no frictionbetween the coils of the spring and maximum operating eiciency isaccomplished.

A still further object of the present invention is to incorporate theabove described objects into a sash balance of the spiral type that canbe readily secured in its operating position to both a window frame anda Window sash without removingthe sash. T Y v f Other objects, purposesand characteristic features of the present invention will be in partobvious from the accompanying drawings, and in part pointed out as thedescription progresses.

In considering the present invention in detail reference will be made tothe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters are used todesignate corresponding parts yin the various iigures, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view, partially in section, showing, asone embodiment of the present invention, a sash balance mounted betweena vertical edge of a Window frame and a Window Sash; y

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view of the sash balance of Fig. l takenalong the line 2 2;

Fig. 3 is a partial elevational sectional view of the balance of Fig. 1taken along the line 3-3 in Fig. 2 illustrating a step in theinstallation of the balance;

Fig. 4 is a bottom View of the sash balance of Fig. 1 illustrating anadjusting mechanism;

A Fig. 5 is a side view of the adjusting mechanism shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a front elevational view, partially in section, showing Iasash balance having a modified form of supporting member and adjustingmechanism;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the sash balance of Fig. 6 taken along theline 1 1;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the upper end of the spiral rod;

Fig. 9 is a perspective showing of an optional type of adjustingmechanism;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken Ialong the line Ill--I in Fig. 2 or inFig. 6 showing the means for rotating the helical springof the sashbalance by the relative longitudinal movement of the spiral rod;

Fig. 11 is a side view of a tubular adapter and nut seat;

Fig. 12 is a side view of another optional type of adjusting mechanism;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of means for driving the spring taken alongthe line |3-I3 in Fig. 10; and i Fig. 14 is a bottom -view of theadjusting mechanism shown in Fig. 12.

Withreference to Fig. 1, a sash balance according to one embodiment ofthe present invention is illustrated Ias being secured in its operatingposition along a vertical side of a jamb 8 of a window frame. The Windowframe is of a conventional frame construction, having a vertical partingstrip 9 (see Fi g2) for separating thev upper and lower sashes of adouble hung window, a lintel II extending across the top of the frame, asill I2 extending across the bottom of the frame, and vertical stop andfacing strips I and I3 respectively secured to the jamb 8 forcooperating with the parting strip 9 to form channels in whichrespective, upper and lower sashesy of the window may be operated.

A lower sash I4 is illustrated as having a vertical channel I5 formed inits edge adjoining the jamb 8 for receiving the sash balance. AlthoughFig. 1 shows only the balance associated. with` the left-hand side of awindow s ash, itis to. be understood that this balance can be` similarlyapplied to the frame and sash at the right-hand side of the window, andthat similar balances are employed in practice for the respective sidesof the upper sash (not shown) Itis to be-,under` stood, however, that asingle balance according to the present invention, is suitable undercertain conditions to operate a window sash, provided of course that aspring of, suitable tension is employed.

The balance according to Fig. 1 has. a tubular housing and supportingmember I6 that is' preferably of a length for use with` a lower sashslightly greater thanthe height of the upper sash. The balance for theupper sash (not shown), however., should have a tubular support slightlyless in length than the heightrof the. upper sash. Secured within. theklower edge of the supporting member I6 is a, tubular bearing I9V (seeFigs. 1 and 10) which is preferably fixed in positionr by spinning theend of the tube I6. inwardly around the lower edge of theV bearing I9,thus also securing the seam of thev tube I6v from spreading.

A helical spring v extends within the tube, I5 substantially throughoutits entirelength and' is secured at its respective upper and lower endsby a spring anchor 2| and aytubular adapter 2`2`. The spring 20, is offlat spring stock having a width substantially greater than itsAthickness and formed with spaced helicaly convolutions so to be securedto its outer surface by reason of the spring tension as described forthe upper spring anchor 2|. The lower end of the anchor 22 is formed asan adapter for receiving a nut 25 by being bifurcated and formed as abayonet type of receptacle having detent receiving openings 24 andlocking notches 26.

The nutv is circular inshape and is of a diameter to fit within the tubeI6 and bear against the bearing I9. This nut 25 has an inner circularopening, except for the inwardly protruding and oppositely disposeddetents 2'| so that it is receivablel over the bifurcated end of theanchor 22 to an extent, where the detents 21 pass through the openings24V and into the notches 2G where they arewIocled by reason of thetorsional force of the spring 20 when the balance is assembled. In,assembly of the balance the anchor 22 is inserted in the spring 20thenut is assembled on the lower end of the anchor 22, and thissubassernbly is inserted1 within the tube I6 to an extent wherein thenut25 bears against the bearing IS at the lower end of the tube I5. Awasher is then4 inserted over the lower end of the anchor 22,and'portions of the anchor 22 are formed outwardly fromnotches 29` thatare formed in the anchor soA as' tjo lock the springl anchor. 22, nut25, and spring 20 in their assembled positions at the lower end of thetube I6.

-. being twisted'. aboutI its axis so as to provide a that the greatercross-sectionalv dimension of the spring material is parallel to. the`axis of the spring. A spring of this nature, as is more fully describedin my prior Patent No. 2,415,614,v dated February 11,1947, is preferredbecause it r'etains straight axial alignment when torsional force isapplied, with no friction. between.- the. respective turns of thespring, and thus requires no additional support such as bearing againstthe tube I6 so as to cause noise andV unevenoperation of the balancebecause of friction with a supporting member. It is to be understood,however, that many of the objects of the present invention can be usedin sash balances employing the conventional wire wound springs ifr theconditions of practice of the invention warrant theuse of such springs.

The spring 20 is suitably secured to the outside of the spring anchor 2by its own tension grasping the tubular portion of the anchor in amanner fully described in my above mentionedv prior patent. The tube IBand the anchor 2 Ig. and thus the upper end of the spring 20 are secureaga-inst rotation by the screw 23v which extends through the tube I6 andthe spring anchor 2| and into the jamb 8 near the top of the window,`frame within the channel formed for passage. of the lower sash I4.

The lower spring anchor and adapter 22- (see Figs. 10 and 11) is of atubular form and is inserted in the lower end of the spring 20. Theanchor. 22 isrof a diameter-to cause the spring 20 driving forcethroughits cooperation with the nut 25 by whichit is effective to-increase thetorsional force of the springA 20. as the window sash I4 is lowered. andthus store potential energy in the spring 20. toaid in the raising ofthe window the next time the. window is operated. Although the pitch. ofthe convolutione is illustrated as being uniform throughoutA the lengthof the rod 3|, it is tobe understood that theI pitch can beI graduatedit desired so asl to taper off the torsional force applied by the spring20 as the torsional force of thespring is increased.

The rod 3| at its upper end has a sharply deformedY tipf31=which isfsovformed as to permit the upper end' of; the rod- 3| to be insertedthrough the nuti 25 when the rod is ina counter-clockwise rotatedposition ascompared to the normal operating` position as' shown in Fig.13. When the spring 201s/ put under tension, the rod 3i assumes theposition between the detents 2T as shown in Fig. 13, and; thev deformedtip 31 is eiiective as a positive'v stop acting against the upper sideorthe detents 2'I so as to prevent the inadvertent withdrawalr of therod'BI- completely from thebalance. but yet permit the rod 3| to bereadily removed when thev springv tension is relievedand the rod 3| isturned counter-clockwise with respect to the nut 25 and the spring 20.

The lower end of the rod 3| is anchored by a bracket 48 which issuitably secured to the lower edge of the window sash I4 as by the nails52 extending through the nail holes 53 (see Fig. 4), the size of thebracketV being such as to permit itsinsertion through the chanel I5inthe edge of the window sash I4 as illustrated-in-Fig- 3 and as will behereinafter more specifically considered.

The left-hand portion of the bracketY 48 is formed as a U-shaped bayonetreceiving receptacle extending into the channel I so as not to protrudebelow the lower edge of the window sash. Such receptacle is forreceiving a bayonet cross pin 49 which extends transversely throughthelower end of the rod 3|. The pin 49y is of a length slightly greaterthan the breadth of the U-shaped portion of the bracket 4B. and it issecured in the rod 3| after the insertion of the rod 3| through theU-shaped portion of the bracket 48. The pin 49 is illustrated in Figs.el and 5 as being preferably secured in the rod 3| by employing across-pin that is longer thanits nished length, and compressing itslength while loosely'assenibled through a hole in the rod 3|,

thus causing the pin 49 to bulge at the points 54 on the opposite sidesof the rod and thus securely lock the cross-pin 49 on center at thelower end of the rod 3|.

With reference to Fig. 1, it will be noted that the bayonet receptaclein the bracket 48 is provided with diagonally oppositely disposeddetents 5| at one side of the slot that receives the crosspin 49. Thesedetents 5| are for locking the crosspin 49 against the possibility ofthe cross-pin being kicked out of its receptacle as a result of abruptmovement of the window sash |4. AThese detents 5| also serve to retainthe cross-pin 49 in its engaging position with its receptacle while thelower end of the balance is being inserted through the channel I5 in theside of the `window sash during installation of the balance as isillustrated in Fig. 3. It will be noted with ref erence to Figs. 1 and 3that a hole 50 is formed in the rod 3| just below the bayonet cross-pin49. This hole is for the insertion of a simple hand tool, such as ahook, when adjustment of the torsional force of the spring 2D is to bemade after installation of the balance in a manner to be hereinafterdescribed.

Having considered the structural details of the balance according to theembodiment shown in Fig. 1, consideration will now be given to themanner in which the balance is installed and adjusted and its mode ofoperation in balancing the weight of the window.

It is preferable that the rod 3l be inserted through the nut 25 beforethe balance is shipped, and also that the cross-pin 49 be insertedwithin its bayonet notch in the receptacle 48 so that there is noassembly to be done at the time of the installation. This beingaccomplished the mode of operation of the installation of the balance issimple and obvious from the drawing. The window is rst lowered, thelower end of the balance is inserted through the channel l5 from the topof the window sash as illustrated in Fig. 4, and then the screw 23 isdriven into the jamb 8 to secure the upper end of the balance to theupper end of the window frame. The window is .then raised so that thebracket 48 and the lower end of the rod 3| extend to the bottom of thewindow where the bracket 48 is then secured by the nails 52 as shown inFig. 1. It will be noted that the bracket 48 is of a size and shape topermit it to be inserted through the charme l5, the bayonet receptaclein its end being so formed as to permit the bracket 48 to pivot aboutthe crosspin 49 to the extent of substantially 90 from its normaloperating position.

A suitable hand tool having a hookl formed on the end thereof isinserted through the hole 6 50 in the rod 3|, and the tool is rotatedslightly in a clockwise direction to permit the cross-pin 49 to beWithdrawn from its normally locked position downwardly so as to permitthe initial torsional force to be applied to the'spring 20 by rotatingthe hand tool in a clockwise direction while holding the cross-pin 49extended downwardly in `disengaging relationship vwith respect to thebayonet receptacle of the bracket 48. When it is thought that thetorsional force is sufcient, the

spring is permitted to attract the cross-pin 49 within the kbayonetreceptacle and thus lock the spring adjustment. Then if itis found byoperation of the -window that more or less torsional force is requiredto balance the weight of the sash, the hook can again be inserted, andadjustment made in a manner similar to that which has been heretoforedescribed, the tool `being turned clockwise or counter-clockwise asrequired torespectively increase or decrease the 'torsional force of thespring. It will be noted that Vthis adjustment is all eiected while thebalance is operatively connected at its upper and lower ends to the jamb8 and the window sash i4 respectively, there being no reason forremoving the fastenings once they are attached, and the attachment ofthe fastenings being facilitating by permitting their attachment beforethe spring 29 is put under tension.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 6 whereinparts identical to those which have been described are designated bylike reference characters so that the specii'lcdescription as has beenset forth with respect to these parts and their modes oi operation canbe readily Vapplied to the corresponding parts of the embodiment shownin Fig. 6, and thus the description of the balance according to Fig. 6will be more particularly directed to its structure and mode ofoperation that differs from the embodiment that has been described.

The supporting member l1 of the balance according to Fig. 6., ratherthan bein-g a closed tube such as the tube I6 of Fig. l, is illustratedas a U-shaped supporting member with its open side facing the jamb 8 asshown in Fig. Y7, and with lianges Il'a and ilb extending outwardlytothe respectively left-hand and right-hand sides from the respective endsof the U-formed portion to form a metallic runfor the side of the sash-I4, and to automatically center the balance within channel formedbetween the parting strip 9 and the facing strip I3. y

Thelower portion |8 of the supporting member l1 (see Fig. 6), however,is formed as a closed tube so thatthe bearing I9 Iand the nut 25 aresecured atthe lower end of this tubular portion |8 in a mannercomparable to that illustrated in Figs. 10, 11, and 13 for theattachment of these parts to the tube I6 which has been described whenconsidering 'the specific structure of the 'balance according to Fig. 1.The balance accord- 'ing to Fig. 6 is adapted to employ a spring 20 andspring anchorages 22 and 23 and a nut 25 corresponding to similar partsof the balance according to Fig. 1.

The anchorage of the spiral rod 3| is somewhat dilerent in the balanceaccording to Fig. 6

in that it is so organized as to permit the adjustment of the torsionalforce of the spring 29 .with a common screw driver, rather thanrequiring-the use of a hook type of tool as has been described. Ingeneral, the rod 3|, as employed in the balance according to Fig. 6. isanchored to a Aratchet disk r33 whichfin turn hasopposltelydls- 7 posedratchet teeth 39 which engage cooperating notches 36 in a bracket thatis secured 'to the bottom of the window sash I4.

More specically, the ratchet disk l33 isvforined with radial slots 42 at90 angles to each other Y,"

of a width comparable to 'the thickness of the material of the rod 3|.The lower end of the rod 3| of the balance according to Fig. `6 is bl'-furcated to form ears 33 that are inserted through radial slots 42 inthe disk 33 and folded oppositely as shown in Fig. 9 to secure theratchet disk 33 to the lower end of the 'rod 3|. When the ratchet disk33 is secured to the rod 3| in this manner, a screw slot is formedbetween 'the blfurcated ends, together with the radial slots 42 in whicha screw driver may engage the ratchet disk 33 for the adjustment of thetorsional force of the spring 23.

The bracket 32 has a hole 35 which serves as a bearing for the rod 3|,such bearing being recessed from the mounting surface of the bracket 32to permit the adjusting means to be contained within the channel in theedge of the window sash |4. The bracket 32 is secured across the loweredge of the channel |5 of the window sash the bracket 32. Each of theratchet teeth 39 has a vertical edge 43 that normally bears against oneside of a notch 39 to retain the last adjusted relative torsional forceof the spring 20. Associated with each of the edges 43 is a locking de'-tent 4| which normally locks behind the bracket 32 so as to preventdisengagement of the ratchet teeth 39 by reason of a longitudinal thrustof the rod 3| as by the quick movement of the window sash |4.

Each of the teeth 39 isformed with leading and trailing edges 45 'and'43 respectively which recede from the end of the tooth so as to formcam surfaces governing the disengagement of the tooth from itscooperating notch 33. The lead ing edge 45 is effective when the rod 3|is rotated by a screw driven in a clockwise direction to gov ern theescapement of the tooth and permit its movement from notch to notch asthe relative torsional force of the spring is increased. The trailingedge 43 is effective when the ratchet disk 33 is permitted to lbe turnedin a counter-clockwise direction by reason of the torsional force of thespring 20 in a manner to be hereinafter more specifically considered.

It is preferable in shipment of the balance according to Fig. 6, thatthe rod 3| be not assembled through the nut as the installation of thebalance is somewhat different from that of the balance that has beendescribed with reference to FigA 1.` The installation ofthe balanceaccording to Fig. 6 is made by rst lowering the window sash with whichit is to be associated, and then inserting the lower end of the. balancewithin the channel I5 of the window sash suiciently to permit the upperend of the balance to be secured by the screw 23 to the upper end of thejamb 8. The window is then raised, and the rod 3| is inserted throughthe Ibracket 32 as is illus. trated in Fig. 9, and then through thechannel ilS-in. the edge of the window sa'shfrom the bot'- lil torn andthus through the nut I25. The deformed tip 31 is effective once thespring 29 is put under tension to prevent the rod 3| from dropping outof the nut 25. The bracket 32 is secured across the lower end of thechannel |5 of the window sash by nails through the holes 34.

v'I'he adjustment of the balance according to Fig. 6 is made by theinsertion of a screw driver, or other Suitable tool, within the slot 42of the ratchet disk 3-3 between the ears 38 of the rod 3| with thewindow raised. The rod 3i is then rotated clockwise to set up thedesired torsional force in the spring 2D, the cam surfaces 45 of theratchet teeth 38 being eiective to lower the rod 3| suiiciently topermit escapement of the teeth from their engaging notches 3G as thescrew driver is rotated in a clockwise direction. When suicienttorsional force has been established in the spring 20, the ratchet teethare permitted to le be drawn into engagement with the notches 36 by theforce of the spring 23 so that their vertical edges 40 are in engagementwith edges of the notches 36, and the locking detente 4| are engagedback of the bracket 32 to prevent the disengagement of the ratchet teeth39 by a quick movement of the window sash.

If it is found that the torsional force that has been applied to thespring 2|! of the balance ac'- cording to Fig. 6 is more than isrequired for balancing the weight of its associated window sash thespring 23 can 4be relieved of its tension and readjusted according tothe procedure about to be described. The window is rst raised and thenthe screw driver or other adjustment tool is inserted in the slot 42 andthe ratchet disk 33 is rotated in a clockwise direction sunicien'tly todisengage the ratchet teeth 39 from their respective notches 3G byreason of the leading edges 65 of the teeth 39. The adjustment tool isthen quickly removed, and although the torsional force of the spring 2Gbiases the teeth 39 toward their engaging positions within the notches38, the speed of rotation counter-clockwise of the rod 3| because thetorsional force of the spring 20 is such as to permit the teeth 39 todrop into vthe notches 36 only to an extent whereby the trailingreceding edges 43 strike the edges of the notches and thus bounce theteeth 39 out of the notches 36 before they can become inserted deepenough to be locked by the detents 4| behind the bracket 32. After thespring tension is thus relieved, the above described procedure forsetting up torsional force in the spring 23 can be repeated.

A still further modined means cf adjustment of the torsional force ofthe spring 2G is illustrated in Figs. 12 and 14 wherein the bracket 32is required to be recessed slightly deeper into the channel l5 of thewindow sash and a crosspin 49 is secured in the lower end or the rod 3|after its insertion through the opening in the bracket 32, suchcross-pin being of a length to restrict rotation of the rod 3| when thecrosspin is held by the torsional force of the spring 20 within therecess of the bracket 32.

The adjustment of a balance having an adjusting means such as is shownin Figs. 12 and 14 is made as has been described with respect to theadjustment of the balance according to Fig. 1, a hook type of adjustmenttool being inserted in the hole 53 at the end of the rod 3| as a meansfor pulling the rod downwardly to disengage the cross-pin 43 from therecess of the bracket 32.

Having thus described specic embodiments of the present invention asillustrative of 'forms which the invention may assume, it is --desiredto be understood that these forms are selected to facilitate thedisclosure of the kinvention rather than to limit the number of formsthe invention may assume, and it is to be further understood thatvarious adaptations, alterations, and modifications may be applied tothe specific forms shown to meet the requirements of practice without in-any manner departing from the spirit or scope of the presentinventionexceptl as limited by the appending claims.

What I claim is:

1. A sash balance comprising, an elongated rod having opposed spiralconvolutions and adapted to be secured to a window sash, a helicalspring in which torsional force may be stored having one end securedagainst rotation, a tubular adapter one end of which is secured to theopposite end of said spring, said adapter having opposed openingsextending inward from the end opposite said spring, each of saidopenings having a notch formed in one side thereof, a nut receivable insaid openings of said tubular adapter, said nut having opposed bearingsurfaces engaging the opposed spiral convolutions of said rod ,j

to cause rotation of said nut in accordance with the longitudinalmovement of said rod, and said nut having portions adapted to be biasedinto engagement with the notches in the sides of said openings in saidtubular adapter by the torsional force of said spring. i'

2. In a sash balance of the spiral type, in combination an elongatedspring wherein torsional force may be stored for transmitting rotarymotion adapted to be secured atv one end against rotation, a nut securedto the opposite end of said spring having opposed bearing surfacesformed therein, a rod adapted at one end to be secured to a window sashand having its other end entered into said spring through said nut,

said rod having opposed spiral convolutions -about its axis engaging theopposed bearing surfaces of said nut whereby longitudinal movement ofsaid rod with respect to said `nut causes rotation of said nut andthatend of said spring to if which said nut is secured, wherein thetorsional force of said spring is increased on longitudinal movement ofsaid rod in one direction and is decreased on movement of said rod inthe opposite direction, and saidv rod having opposed detents near saidentered end engaging said nut byreason of the torsional force of saidspring to prevent said rod from being fully withdrawn from said nutwhile under inuence of the tor'- sional force of said. spring. .i f'

3. A sash balance for use with-awindowfsash and its frame comprising, anelongated supporting member having a bearing in one end thereof, abracket adapted to be secured to a window sash, a rod having opposedspiral convolutions one end of said rod being secured to said bracket,

Aan adapter of tubular form having opposed openings in the wall of oneend, a nut-secured ber, and a helical spring having one enfv'euie'd 10against.y rotation and the. opposite-.end secured to said adapter to.rotate therewith.

4. Asash balance comprising, a helical-spring in which torsional forcemay be stored secured at oneend against rotation,v a supporting memberhaving a bearing formed therein, a bracket adapted to be secured to awindow sash, a nut having opposed bearing surfaces and locking portionsformed therein, a rod havingopposed spiral convolutions, said rod beingsecured at one end to said bracket and having said spiral convolutionsin operative engagement with the'bearing surfaces of said nut `to causerotation of said nut on longitudinal movement of said rod with respectto said nut, and an adapter of tubular form rotatable in said bearing.having one end secured to the opposite end of said spring, said adapterhaving openings formed in the other end, each of said openings beingprovided with a notch into which said locking portions of said nut arevbiased by the torsional force of said spring.

5. A sash balance for use with a window sash and a window framecomprising, an elongated supporting member having a bearing in one endthereof and having its opposite end adapted to be secured to a windowframe,.a bracket adapted to be secured toa window Sash, a rod havingspiral convolutions secured to said bracket, an adapter of tubular formrotatable in and having one end extending through said bearing and hav-ying openings formed in its wall at .the extending end, a nut receivablein said openings said nut having a portion ysurrounding said adapter andabutting said bearing to support the weight of the window sash, said`nut having opposed portions extending inward through the openings inthe wall of said adapter for co-.operative en? gagement with the spiralyconvolutions of said rod whereby said nut and said adapter. aregrotatedon longitudinalmovementof said rod with respect to said nut, a helicalspring having one end secured against rotation and theopposite endsecured to said adapter to rotate. therewith, and means for securingsaidradapter and said nut in said bearing againstlongitudinalmovementwith respect to 4said supporting member comprising awasher assembled on the extending end of said adapter and `secured inplace .by deforming the extending portions of the wall of said adapter.

6. In a sash balance of the spiral type, a spring adapted to be securedat one end to the top of a window frame and having a nut secured to theother end thereof, a spiral rod operative from one end longitudinallythrough said nut andhaving a crosspin secured in its other end, abracket adapted to be securedto the lower edge cfa windowsash having abayonet receptacle for detachably securing said rod by said cross-pinagainst rotative movement, said bracket `being adapted to pivot aboutsaidl cross-pin so as to permit said bracket .tol extend longitudinailyalong the axis of said rod for the purpose of facilitating installationof the bracket within a Windowvsash.,

'7. Ina sash balance of the spiral type for securing 4toa window fram-eand window sash for balancing the weightA of a window, a spiral lspring,adapted to be secured at one end to the .top of a window frame, a springanchor and a nut secured to the other end of the spring, a 'spiral rodoperable longitudinally through said nutvand influenced by the torsionalforce of said spring, said rod having a cross-pin near itslower end, anda bracket adapted to be secured to the lower edge of a window sash, saidbracket having a bayonet type receiving socket adapted to receive saidcross-pin in detachable engagement so that said cross-pin can be readilydisengaged from said bracket after the bracket is secured to a windowsash for adjusting the torsional force of said spring.

8. In a sash balance having a helical spring secured at one end to awindow frame and provided with a nut secured at its other end, a spiralrod having one end receivable in said nut and having a cross-pin securedin the other end, a bracket adapted to be secured to the lower edge of awindow sash having a U-shaped receptacle and an opening through saidU-shaped receptacle for passage of said rod, the U-shaped portion ofsaid bracket forming radial pockets adapted to receive said cross-pin,and said spiral rod being adapted for the engagement of an adjustingtool whereby said cross-pin can be readily disengaged from its engagingposition with said bracket for adjustment of the torsional force of saidspring.

9. A sash balance of the spiral type comprising in combination a helicalspring adapted to be secured at one end to a window frame and having anut secured to the other end thereof, a spiral rod having one endreceivable in said nut and having the other end provided with a crossplnand an opening for engagement of an adjusting tool, a bracket adapted tobe secured to a window sash having a U-shaned receptacle at one endthereof with an opening through the receptacle for passage of the spiralrod, said U- shaped portion being eiective to form a detachableanchorage for receiving said cross-pin by providing openings forreceiving the cross-pin at both sides of the spiral rod, said openingshaving detents formed therein whereby said rod can be locked by thetorsional force of said spring against being disengaged from saidbracket be cause of longitudinal force applied to the spiral rod duringthe operation of a window, said rod being quickly detachable from itsanchorage by the insertion of an adjusting tool through said opening insaid rod upon pulling said rod outwardly from said spring and from saidbracket after rotating said rod slightly so as to disengage saidcross-pin from said detents.

10. A sash balance comprising a supporting member having a nut rotatabletherein, a helical spring having one end secured against rotation andthe opposite end secured to said nut to rtate therewith, a spiral rodsecured against rotation engaging said nut and disposed to rotate samein accordance with its longitudinal movement with respect to saidsupporting member, a bracket adapted to be secured to a window sashcomprising a bearing supporting one end of said rod and having notchesformed in opposite sides thereof, and a ratchet disk secured to said rodhaving oppositely disposed ratchet teeth formed laterally from theperiphery thereof engaging said notches of said bracket.

11. In a sash balance, the combination with a supporting member having anut rotatable therein, a helical spring in which torsional force may bestored having one end secured against rotation and the opposite endsecured to said nut to rotate therewith, and a spiral rod engaging saidnut and disposed to rotate same in accordance with its longitudinalmovement with respectto said supporting member, of means for adjustingthe torsional force of said spring comprising, a bracket adapted to besecured to a window sash supporting one end of said rod. said brackethaving teeth engaging surfaces formed therein, a disk having ratchetteeth formed laterally from the periphery thereof secured to said rod,said teeth being biased by the torsional force of said spring intoengagement with said engaging surfaces to normally maintain theadjustment of said spring, and said teeth being formed so as to permitrotation of said rod with respect to said bracket in one direction forincreasing the torsional force of said spring.

12. In a sash balance of the spiral type, the combination with a helicalspring disposed within an elongated supporting member and having one endsecured thereto and a nut secured to said spring with respect torotation at the other end of said supporting member, of a spiral rodengaging said nut and disposed to rotate said nut by longitudinalmovement thereof, said rod having a bifurcated anchorage at one end, abracket adapted to be secured to a window sash comprising a bearingsupporting one end of said rod. said bracket having notches formed inopposite sides thereof, and a ratchet disk having openings therein forreceiving said bifurcated anchorage of' said rod, said disk havingoppositely disposed ratchet teeth engaging said notches of said bracket,and said ratchet disk having a slot formed therein between thebifurcations of said anchorage for engagement of a tool whereby saidratchet can be rotated.

13.111 a sash balance', the combination with an elongated supportingmember having a nut rotatable in one end thereof and a helical springwherein torsional force may be stored disposed within said supportingmember having one end secured thereto and the opposite end secured tosaid nut to rotate therewith, of a spiral rod end gaging said nut torotate same in accordance with the longitudinal movement of said rodwith respect to said supporting member,` a bracket adapted to be securedto a window sash and support one end of said rod, said bracket having aplurality of notches formed therein, and a ratchet disk secured to oneend of said rod, said diskhaving a plurality of ratchet teeth forengagement with the notches of said bracket formed laterally from theperiphery thereof, each of said teeth having a projection locking saidratchet disk in engagement with said notches of said bracket inaccordance with the torsional force applied to said rod by said spring.A

- 14. In a sash balance, the combination withv an elongated supportingmember having a nut rotatable in one end thereof, a helical springIwherein torsional force may be stored disposed within said supportingmember having one end secured thereto and the opposite end secured tosaid nut to rotate therewith, and a spiral rod engaging said nut anddisposed to rotate same in accordance with the longitudinal movement ofsaid rod with respect to said supporting member, 0f a. bracket adaptedto be secured to a window sash and to support one end of said rod, saidbracket having a plurality of teeth engaging surfacesfformedtherein, aratchet disk secured to one end of said rod said disk having a pluralityof ratchet teeth formed laterally from the periphery thereof, each ofsaid teeth being formed with an edge receding from the end thereofcausing disengagement with said teeth engaging surfaces when saidratchet disk' is rotated in one direction for increasing the torsionalforce of said spring, and each of .said ratchet teeth being formed withanother edge receding from said end for resisting engagement when saidratchet disk is rotated in the opposite direction at a high rate ofspeed by the torsional force of said spring after said ratchet teethhave rst been raised out of engagement with said teeth engaging surfacesof said bracket.

15. In a sash balance, the combination with an elongated spiral member,a nut in co-operative engagement with said spiral member to promoterotative movement of said nut on longitudinal movement of said spiralmember with respect to said nut, an elongated spring wherein torsionalforce may be stored having one end secured against rotation and theopposite end secured to said nut to rotate therewith, said spring beingconstructed of resilient material substantially greater in width thanthickness and coiled in a helical form with the greater cross sectiondimension parallel to the axis of the spring, the diiference between thewidth and the thickness of said material being sufilcient to cause linesof flexure parallel to the axis of the spring, whereby said springretains a straight axial line when torsional force is applied to it, ofmeans for adjusting the torsional force of said spring comprising, abracket adapted to be secured to a window sash and to support one end ofsaid spiral member, said bracket having teeth engaging surfaces formedtherein, a disk having ratchet teeth formed to cooperatively engage theteeth engaging surfaces of said bracket, said disk being secured to saidrod and said teeth being biased by the torsional force of said spring inengagement with said teeth engaging surfaces to normally maintain theadjustment of said spring, and said teeth being formed so as to permitrotation of said rod with respect to, said bracket in one direction forincreasing the torsional force of said spring.

16. ln a sash balance, the combination with an elongated spiral member,a nut in co-operative engagement with said spiral member to promoterotative movement of said nut on longitudinal movement of said spiralmember with respect to said nut, an elongated spring wherein torsionalforce may be stored having one end secured against rotation and theopposite end secured to said nut to rotate therewith, said spring beingconstructed of resilient material substantially greater in width thanthickness and coiled in a helical form with the greater cross sectiondimension parallel to the axis of the spring, the diierence between thewidth and the thickness of said material being suiiicient to cause linesof fiexure parallel to the axis of the spring, whereby said springretains a straight axial line when torsional force is applied to it, ofa bracket adapted to be secured to a window sash and to support one endof said elongated spiral member, said bracket having a plurality ofteeth engaging surfaces formed therein, and a ratchet disk secured toone end of said elongated spiral member, said ratchet disk having aplurality of ratchet teeth formed laterally from the periphery thereof,each of said teeth being formed with an edge receding from the endthereof causing disengagement with said teeth engaging surfaces whensaid ratchet disk is rotated in one direction for increasing thetorsional force of said spring, and each of said teeth being formed withanother edge receding from said. end for resisting engagement when saidratchet disk is rotated in the opposite direction at a high rate ofspeed by the torsional force of said spring after said ratchet teethhave rst disengaged from said teeth engaging surfaces of said bracket.

17. In a sash balance for use with a window sash and its frame thecombination with a spiral spring secured at one end to said window frameand having a nut secured to the other end thereof, a bracket adapted tobe secured to said window sash, a spiral rod one end of which is securedto said bracket and the opposite end in association with said nut tocause rotation thereof on longitudinal movement cf said rod through saidnut, of an elongated member in the form of a tube having a longitudinalbutted seam and securable at its upper end to a window frame, and a cupshaped member having a rim portion and an opening concentric with suchrim portion, such cup shaped member being secured in the lower end ofsaid elongated member by having the wall of such elongated member turnedinward and upward over the rim of said cup shaped member therebyproviding supporting means for said nut and said sash and preventing theseam of said elongated member from opening.

18. In a sash balance for use with a window sash and its frame thecombination with a spiral spring secured at one end to said window frameand having a nut secured to the other end thereof, a bracket adapted tobe secured to said window sash, a spiral rod one end of which is securedto said bracket and the opposite end in association with said nut tocause rotation thereof on longitudinal movement of said rod through saidnut, of an elongated sheet metal member secured to the window frame andhaving the major por` tion of its length of U shaped cross section withanges extending outward from the ends of the U disposed between thewindow sash and its frame and having a short portion at its lower end oftubular cross section, and a cup shaped member having a rim portion andan opening concentric with such rim portion secured in said shortportion by having the wall of such short portion turned inward andupward inside the rim of said cup shaped member, thereby providingsupporting means for said nut and preventing the seam of said shorttubular portion from opening.

` DEWITT TAPPAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,041,646 Larson May 19, 19362,415,614' Tappan Feb. 11, 1947 2,477,069 Larson July 26, 1949 f

